WNBL inks new broadcast deal ahead of 2021-22 season
The Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) 2021-22 season will tip-off on Thursday, December 2, showcasing a wealth of quality Australian and International talent.
A deal penned with Foxtel, Kayo and ABC will ensure fans won’t miss any of the action with EVERY game being broadcast across the season. Both Fox Sports and ABC will feature a game of the round LIVE each week in the premium 5pm Saturday slot.
All 84 regular season games and finals will be broadcast LIVE on Kayo meaning fans have all their WNBL action available in one place. In addition, up to two games per week will be broadcast LIVE on Kayo Freebies and one game per week on Kayo YouTube, ensuring accessibility for all viewers. The Foxtel Group has the largest audience of sports fans in Australia with over 2.4m households watching sport on Foxtel and Kayo.
The appetite from fans to watch and play basketball has never been higher with the WNBL coming off a record breaking 2020 Hub season.
The ABC has been a long-time supporter of the WNBL and will broadcast one game LIVE each week on the main channel and IVIEW further increasing the reach of the audience. The ABC will also provide comprehensive editorial coverage across their TV, radio and digital platforms.
The WNBL continues to be a family affair with twins Alicia Froling (University of Canberra Capitals) and Keely Froling (Brydens Sydney Uni Flames) to battle it out in the opening round. Keely having moved to Sydney Uni Flames in the offseason, is coming off a sensational NBL1 season, having scored 52pts in one game.
After a dynamic season with Townsville Fire last year, promising youngster and future Opal Shyla Heal has returned home to play for the Brydens Sydney Uni Flames. The much anticipated father/daughter duo of Shane and Shyla Heal is captivating the Brydens Sydney Uni Flames fans. Shane a four-time Olympian and Boomer great will lead the Sydney Flames in his inaugural year as Head Coach with his daughter Shyla signing on to play.
The Flames will play double header games with the Kings at Qudos Bank Arena, the venue for the upcoming FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, giving fans in Sydney the opportunity to witness the best basketball talent in one place.
The WNBL continues to grow its presence internationally and has attracted a stellar field of elite imports, coming direct from the WNBA are Marina Mabrey, Dallas Wings (Perth Lynx), Tiffany Mitchell, Indiana Fever (Melbourne Boomers), Monique Billings, Atlanta Dream (Townsville Fire), Britt Sykes, Los Angeles Sparks (UC Capitals) and Lindsay Allen, Indiana Fever (Melbourne Boomers). 3×3 Tokyo Gold Medallist from USA Jackie Young will join the Perth Lynx once her commitments are finished with Las Vegas Aces who currently competing in the WNBA final Series.
The WNBL has a number of key partners who are integral to the running of the league, and we are pleased to announce their renewals.
Spalding have extended their partnership for season 2021/22 as the official ball of the WNBL, and IAthletic have extended their partnership as the Official Teamwear Apparel Partner of the WNBL.
Archer have also renewed their partnership with WNBL until 2023 as the official supplier of referee uniforms.
The full fixture will be released in the coming weeks.